Holiday Plans

According to many you must always be planning a holiday, even when you have one already booked!

Soon we are off to Noosa for 9 days R & R and a unoffical family reunion of my late mothers family.   Mum's youngest brother & wife live there, as does one of their son's and his family.  They will be joined by Mum's elder brother and his wife, my twin sister and her husband, a cousin (1st 2nd ??? I can never get that bit right!) and her husband, and finally Pete's sister and her husband.      

Can't wait.   My Uncles are known for their practical jokes and story telling, and I am sure there will be some Tasman rivalry happening when the Rugby World Cup games are on!

We travelling over Air NZ (our favoured carrier) have booked at Regatta Apartments where we stayed in 2007 http://www.regattaapartments.com.au/specials.html  and we have rented a station wagon from Brisbane Bargain Car Rentals bargainrentacar.com.au  .  We haven't used this company before, so will report back on how that goes.  My sister has also booked with them - so fingers crossed!

And of course the second holiday has been in the plans for even longer - 13 nights on the Celebrity Century for Christmas / New Year!

Date	Port/City	Activity	Description
Sat, Dec 24	Sydney, Australia			Depart 5:00 PM
Sun, Dec 25	At Sea	Christmas Day
Mon, Dec 26	Melbourne, Australia	Docked	Arrive 8:00 AM	Depart 6:00 PM
Tue, Dec 27	Burnie, Tasmania Renting a car to go to Devonport	Docked	Arrive 8:00 AM	Depart 5:00 PM
Wed, Dec 28	At Sea
Thu, Dec 29	At Sea
Fri, Dec 30	Milford Sound, New Zealand	Cruising	Arrive 7:00 AM	Depart 8:00 AM
Fri, Dec 30	Doubtful Sound	Cruising	Arrive 12:00 PM	Depart 1:30 PM
Fri, Dec 30	Dusky Sound	Cruising	Arrive 3:30 PM	Depart 4:30 PM
Sat, Dec 31	Dunedin, New Zealand	Docked	Arrive 9:00 AM	Depart 7:00 PM
Sun, Jan 01	Akaroa, New Zealand	Tendered	Arrive 7:00 AM	Depart 6:00 PM
Mon, Jan 02	Wellington, New Zealand	Docked	Arrive 8:00 AM	Depart 5:00 PM
Tue, Jan 03	Napier, New Zealand	Docked	Arrive 7:00 AM	Depart 2:00 PM
Wed, Jan 04	Tauranga,New Zealand	Docked	Arrive 10:00 AM	Depart 9:15 PM
Thu, Jan 05	Bay Of Islands, New Zealand	Tendered	Arrive 10:00 AM	Depart 6:00 PM
Fri, Jan 06	Auckland, New Zealand		Arrive 7:00 AM

Yes very similar to last Christmas but three more ports and Burnie instead of Hobart.

Once again I have got myself very involved in the Roll Call on http://www.cruisecritic.com/ and it looks like be as good (maybe better) last years Roll Call.   Fewer people but far more chat happening!

So Pete will be in charge of taking heaps of photos on these next two trips and above all we will have fun!

Lastly before I head to the kitchen to start dinner, I have added the link to Pete's blog on rebuilding his Mk1 Escort, which some of you may be interested in.     (We have a little competition going now one the number of hits, of which he is leading by a long shot, but then this blog is a year older than this one!)

Day Twelve – 2 January 2011 – Port Day Tauranga

Weather – Clear skies, sunny 26°

Port day meant an early rise with the curtains open to see the view.  Pete decided he would hit the showers first, and while I was sitting in bed waiting for him to finish shaving about just before 6am, the sun was just peeping over the horizon.  So you guessed it – I told him to stop what he was doing and get out here dressed or not and grab the camera.  He obeyed, much to my astonishment and managed to get some wonderful sunrise shots.  It was the first time we had actually seen a decent sunrise and it was spectacular.

Sunrise over East Cape - looking East from the Bay of Plenty

Coming into port at Mount Manuganui just after 6am

 

This was going to be our big day, so we headed for disembarkation early in case we could get off.   We could, and we were the first at 7.30am.   Just as well as the gangway was high, long and quite steep.  So with two staff in front and Pete behind we disembarked slowly down the gangway.  It was a good move as I wouldn’t have like to have done it will hundreds of people breathing down our necks.   

We had spotted Rite Price Rentals from our Balcony, so we knew where to head.   The staff were great and we got sorted on our 12 seater van, however there was one glitch.  The van we were to have had a puncture!   That was quickly resolved – that van was taken off and we took the van behind!

We had planned for everyone to meet at me on the wharf by 8.30am.  Kim and Rich were first to arrive at 7.45am, quickly followed by Violet & Charlie, Tom & Lynda, Lilia & Dave, and ‘the kids’ were last again appearing at 8.15, but to be fair they got caught behind a huge Princess Tour Group disembarking!

So we were off!   Pete was the Tour Driver/Commentator for the day!   We headed for Rotorua via Te Puke for our first stop – Hells Gate.   Pete talked about the Kiwifruit industry and farming all the way.   We soon discovered the van’s aircon didn’t work, so it was fresh air full!!

 Kim and Rich

We had an hour at Hells Gate – we wandered with 2 couples, then half way through we let them go on further and started to walk back, and met up with the other three couples who had sped ahead.    Back down by the main entrance Violet, Dave and Tom tried their hand at some Maori carving!  

Next stop was to the Agrodome, for the 11am Sheep show.   We went via the northern side of the lake and through Hamurana, stopping on the lake side at a small stream mouth to the lake.  It was a photo opportunity across the lake, but the bonus was two fishermen in their waders fishing for trout, and a huge flock of black swans.   Beautiful over looking the lake on a warm morning.  

With Pete’s usual accuracy we arrived at the Agrodome 5 mins before the show was due to start.    There were a couple of Princess Coach Load’s there, but it wasn’t packed to capacity thanks goodness.   We had changed the plan as Pete thought the 2.30 show could be packed and getting out may make the trip back tight.    They all enjoyed the show, with some going up to pat the sheep and sheepdogs.

By now we were all getting hungry, and it was really hot, so we headed for the lakefront for a lunch stop.  When we arrived we found it was “Fair Day” on the green, so after a quick discussion it was decided we would stop for 1hr 40 and only go to Rainbow Springs, rather trying to get out to the Buried Village.

We wandered over to the Fair, and who should we find, but none other than Sarah C, which her stand of paintings.   We had a great catch up and Sarah shot off and found Colin.     Pete was hungry so we spotted a van selling hot dogs and chips so with food in hand we sheltered under a tree out of the sun.  Don’t know what the temperature was but it was very hot!    Walking back to the van through the stalls we spotted a cap made out of “Tui” Cans! – The perfect gift for Tom who had been banging on about beers all morning.   

Back on the Lakefront we found most of our group assembled having had a meal of “Fish & Chips” and resting on the benches.   Tom and Lynda appeared soon after, so back to the van we went.   Before getting into the van we presented Tom with his hat, to peels of laughter and clapping.  Tom was very pleased with his new hat!  

Our last attraction was Rainbow Springs.  Pete and I didn’t go in, as by now he had nearly lost his voice – very much out of practice!     While our group were either there or over at the Skyline Ride we shot off to get something to ease Pete’s throat.   When we got back we parked in the bus bay under a tree.   But not for long – we were told to move as 8 buses were about to arrive.  You guessed it – 8 bus loads from the Ship!!!  It was a mad house, and we were glad we had arrived earlier!    Violet, Charlie and Tom had gone up in the Gondola’s and when they got to the top they saw a huge queue to get on, so decided to play it safe, and stayed on and came straight back down!   Turned out it was the 8 bus loads of Diamond Passengers!!!

It was time to start making our way back to Tauranga, so Pete decided the shorter route via Pyes Pa.     As we had promised everyone a Hokey Pokey Ice Cream, the hunt was on for an Ice Cream shop!   We certainly needed something as it was exceedingly hot.    We finally found a shop open at Greerton on the way into Tauranga.     So the dairy was inundated with 12 people all wanting ice creams at once, and I am sure we weren’t the only ones!

On arrival back at Mt Maunganui the traffic was madness.  Pete hoped to go along Pilot Bay to get a photo of the ship from the bottom of the Mount, but that wasn’t going to happen.    Besides it was 4.55pm and we still had to get Diesel and get back to the ship.

Finally found the Shell Service Station, so all bets were on in the back as to how much diesel we would need!!   A grand total of $24.48!   Cheap eh.

Back to the ship at 5.15pm – 15 minutes to spare.  Three failed attempts for a group photo and we hurried on board.   Quick discussion ensured in the lift foyer to arrange a meeting point for a photos at 6pm.  I missed that Tom and Lynda were not there, so when we did assemble, we were 2 short – Kim promised to Photoshop them into a photo!!!

Left rear - Violet, Dave, Tom, Lynda Rich

Middle - Lillia, Kin, Jason

Front -Charlie, Pete, Marg, Kristi

Our last Sailaway out of Tauranga was amazing!!! People everywhere as it was a public holiday and it had been such a hot day.   The little public wharf was groaning with people, all away along the beach was packed and even around the base of the Mount.   Jet skis and boaties everywhere, with all but one heeding the ship’s horn to stay clear!   A truly magnificent send off.

Julie and Dave were in our usual spot on deck for Sailaway, so once out of port we convened to decide where and what we would have for dinner.   We opted for Burgers and Chips on our Balcony!   Easy and we still had wine to drink!!!

Last evening shot from the Balcony as we leave Tauranga.



Besides we still had to finish packing the bags we started yesterday.  Not sure when we fitted that in!  But we had the final bits to do, as our bags had to be out the door at 7pm.   Well we didn’t abide by that but we finally got it all done and out by about 8.30pm.    Two bags, a backpack, the new blanket in its bag and the walker!!

Time for a last walk around the ship and dessert in the Horizon Court!    Who should find us there, but Julie and Dave!!!

On the way back to our stateroom, we bumped into Tom and Lynda who tried to encourage us to stay for a show starting at 9.30, but we were far too done in, we were off to bed!

Disembarkation Day – 3 January 2011 Auckland

Home sweet home – but of course we don’t want to get off!!

Following our usual routine and knowing our arrival time in port of 6am, we set the alarm clock for 4.15am!!    OMG that was early.   Pete took photos of course!

 

I had a shower, just because I cannot start a day without one!  And we were up at the Horizon at 5.30am for breakfast.   The lovely lady at the entrance to the Buffet was very cheery and said “Your Usual madam?? You find a seat and I will bring it over” What an angel!   Perfect just how I liked it!  Why had it taken so long to be comfortable with the Horizon, when the staff were so great?

Julie and Dave appeared having eaten on the other side of the restaurant.

Back to the stateroom to collect the final belongings and to head for Club Fusion our appointed disembarkation lounge for 6.45am!      Who chose that!!!   We had put down – flexible time as we live in Auckland.    We noticed the Internet Room was assigned for those requiring assistance, so decided we might as well go there instead.   Good move, as soon as 6.45 passed they started to get ready to move the three couples out!

First off YES!!  Good move.   Even the Biosecurity team weren’t ready for us!  Through the terminal and down to claim our lounge.  There we quickly found our bags with the help of the huge number of luggage attendants, and we were all done before 7am!

Back home on terra-firma!

What a simply wonderful holiday – we agreed it was the best ever.

Day Eleven – 1 January 2011 – At Sea bound for Tauranga

Weather – Partly cloudy, slight breeze, calm seas (again!) 23°

At last a bit of a sleep in!  That is what Sea Days are all about.  BUT silly me, I made a meeting time for our Tauranga Tour at 10.30am in the Wheelhouse Bar.   So needless to say we needed to get up at a reasonable time to get through the bathroom and breakfast. 

We headed for the Horizon Court for Breakfast, and the same lovely lady was on duty at the entrance to the Buffet.    She was most helpful (I wish I had worked this out earlier, and that I took note of her name!) and she said “would I like my ‘usual’ – muesli (dry) 3 peaches and yoghurt”.   She was amazed I ate so little – I did eat more one morning and wished I hadn’t!   What a good memory, so duly done and she took me to a table, leaving Pete to organise just himself.  

Just before 10.30 we wondered into the deserted Wheelhouse Bar and arranged a group of couches and chairs for our Tour Group.  A good sign as all were punctual except our young ones!  Jas eventually showed up, having left Kristi in bed as it had been a rather late night (3am) and they had plenty to drink!  He had crawled out of bed and thrown some clothes on (and no doubt headed straight back there at the end of the meeting).    The meeting was reasonably short.  We ran through the proposed timetable/route and costings, which everyone was more than happy with.  

While we were at our meeting Julie and Dave went to the Princess Theatre to see the Culinary Demonstration followed by a Tour of the Galley.   It was most interesting.   

A number of the CCer’s had done the Ultimate Ship Tour – costs USD$150, but you get a Chef’s Jacket, a Waffle Bathrobe and other stuff, which was very interesting. The tours were up to 3hrs long, as I mentioned earlier.  Dave was going to do it, but never got around to putting his name down!   (Something to remember to do on the next cruise.)   As well as that, a good number were drawn from the ballot for the Chef’s Table (USD$75) which was done on three nights.  Only about 10-11 get on each Chef’s Table, so it is quite something to get balloted for.   I would have liked to do the Chef’s Table, but as you needed to able to walk and use stairs, it was not really an option.    

At Noon in the Atrium, there was to be the “Egg Drop”, so curious to find out what that was about, we headed down there.   We found a couple of chairs on the lowest level and waited.   Having no idea what it was about, we asked another passenger, who informed us it was a competition to throw an egg from the second level and have it land in a target (a hula hoop on table cloths) in the centre of the lower level.   People entered had received their instructions on the rules etc a few days earlier.    It was most entertaining watching various groups with their different techniques to get there fresh eggs down without breaking it.    I won’t bother describing it all, but needless to say some were very innovative and the commentary was most entertaining.   The participants aged 6 -75+.  We didn’t wait for the winner to be announced as it did go on for some time.

As it was time for our last lunch on board we headed to the International Dining Room, and asked to share again.  This time we were sat with 6 others from America and Australia.   The conversation was a bit weird and strained for a while, but once the four ladies left, Pete and I chatted to the two remaining gentlemen – one from Kansas and the other from St. Louis.  We ended up having the most interesting conversation, and in the end at 2pm, the waiters indicated it was time we left!!!

Strolling back through the Promenade Deck we ended up at the Explorers lounge where the last of the Art Auctions was taking place.   As we were feeling a little jaded we decided to stop here and watch the progress.  Like last time, it was all quite false and it was unbelievable what people were buying and more astounding the ridiculous prices they were paying!  Each to there own, but it must be a great money spinner for the Cruise Line.   While sitting there we were joined by Julie and Dave, who were equally tired.    Pete at one point nodded off!!

The last Afternoon Tea was on in the Pacific Moon Dining Room, and as there was an area set aside for CruiseCritic.com members, we went along.  This had been organised without prompting by the Activities Staff, which was most appreciated.  

Then it was time for a rest!!   Back to the Stateroom for a nana nap! And boy did that hour rush by!   Julie and Dave arrived for drinks before we knew it.   So drinks were poured and we adjourned to the balcony to enjoy the vista.  We could just see the coast line of the East Coast and enjoy the afternoon sun.

As we had been ‘rotating’ around the Dining Rooms, we headed for our second to last dinner to the Savoy.   We asked for any table except the “massage table” and were seated to the one next door, which did have a bit of a vibration, but no where near as bad.   Again a lovely dinner was had by all.  

One thing I haven’t done is keep tabs on who ate what and when.  Suffice to say the menu’s varied each night, we sometimes all had the same dishes and other nights we all tried something different.   Most nights had a theme, and each of the Anytime Dining Rooms had a different Signature Dish.  Pacific Moon was Asian, Santa Fe was Mexican, Savoy was English, and we guess Vivaldi’s was Italian, but we never dined there as it didn’t open until 8.15pm each night, which was too late for our liking.

Tonight’s entertainment for us was in the Explorers Lounge.   Roger Carr, the resident pianist/signer who had played each night in the Crooners Bar was putting on a special show with the backing of the Ships Orchestra.    We got an early spot as Roger was quite popular, and only once did we manage to get a seat the Crooners lounge for part of his segment, as there were a number of regulars who seem to get the few seats there were.   We ended up with an Australian couple sitting with us, and during the conversation he mentioned they had a tour of the Bridge that morning.    Turns out when you are on your 20^th (yes 20^th) cruise you get an invite to the Bridge!   This couple didn’t look old enough to have done 20!!!    Mind you the couple with the most cruise days under their belts had done 928 days!    The show was enjoyable and Roger told us a bit about his career and how he came to be on the ship.  He was in the backing band for Sammy Davis Jnr for 2 years.    Only downside was the wife of the couple we were sitting with was a real talker and kept chatting to Pete during the show, and eventually I told Pete to hush, as she was becoming a real pain – think she had a wine or two too many!

Meanwhile Julie and Dave had headed for Deck 14 for Movies Under the Stars – lying on deck loungers with blankets, to watch ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ which I had seen on the flight over. 

Our show was over by 9.30pm, so we were off to bed as we had an early start for Tauranga in the morning.

Day Ten – 31st December 2010 – Port Day – Christchurch

Weather – partly cloudy light breeze 18 °C

Arrival into port happened so quickly, once we rounded Banks Peninsula.  We had ordered room service for breakfast to make getting ready to go ashore less hectic.  We have just ordered off the menu each time, juice, cereal, fruit, Danishes, croissants, and pot of nice hot coffee.  More than enough, and much easier than the rush at the Horizon.

Julie and Dave had planned to go and visit family for the morning, so Pete and I went with them into town on the bus.   As with Dunedin NZD$15 return, so quite reasonable and easy.   All the buses were accessible with drop down floors and ramps – much better than in Dunedin.  The ride in took about 20 minutes.

Driving in we saw a lot of the houses and other buildings damaged in the 4^th September Earthquake and in the centre of town there was even more damage from the Boxing Day quake, which caused even more damage as its epicenter was the city and it was very shallow.   Our first stop was to ‘Fazazz’ to have a look at the classic cars and memorabilia they had.  Access was a bit tricky as there are only steps, but the side entrance had less so Pete helped me up and then lifted up the chair.  We spent about ¾ hr looking at all they had.

We wandered back into the city centre.  Had trouble finding a café for a coffee, as not everything was open.  In fact the place was very quiet and would have been even more so, if it hadn’t been for the 2 Cruise Ships in town – the Silver Shadow was still with us, but from Christchurch they would leave us as their next port was Wellington.

After a coffee, we returned to the Square and watched some teenagers doing Irish Dancing (they were raising money to go overseas to an International Competition) then watched a grandfather and grandson playing Chess on the large set.    There was a Maori group going to perform, but they couldn’t seem to settle on a place to set up, that we got fed up and left.

As the buses were doing return trips to the ship we decided we might as well go back and have lunch on the ship.    We went down to the International Dining Room, and for a change managed to tell the staff we were happy to share.  For some reason they kept putting us at a table for four and clearing off the other settings.    We ended up enjoying our lunch with a couple from the Gold Coast, who were doing a Back to Back (Sydney – Auckland – Sydney) and they had not got off at any ports on the way over as they had friends joining the ship in Auckland.  They had organised a rental car for Tauranga, but had no idea what to do and how to get to Rotorua.  As we were heading there the next day, we offered to pick up maps and brochures for them. 

Julie and Dave came back not long after we finished lunch having had morning tea and lunch with family.  

Tonight being New Years Eve was the second of our Formal Nights.  We thought we might try the Vivaldi’s Dining Room (One of the Anytime Dining Rooms, but it didn’t open until 8.15pm) – no luck at all as they had closed off bookings and could only take ‘walk-in’s’.     So we decided to ‘wing it’ and see where we could get in.  Our favourite being Pacific Moon, we decided to try our luck there.   Manuel – the Restaurant Manager asked if we had a booking, which of course we didn’t, and after a bit of checking around he assigned us to a table which had been set for 3 and had the extra setting made up.   I found that in all the restaurants the Managers always went out of there way to find us a suitable table, and without any delay.   It appeared by now that a lot of people were pre-booking each, which made a bit of a mockery of Anytime Dining, but with many traveling in big family groups, it was understandable they needed to book.

After dinner we went back to our stateroom, and onto the balcony to see it we might catch a glimpse of a whale, as they are very prevalent on the coast off Kaikoura.   No such luck besides it was getting dark and pretty chilly on the balcony.     So we headed downstairs to relax in the Explorers Lounge until going to the Princess Theatre Show “Piano Man” at 10.30pm.   We were trying to stay up late to see the New Year in, so figured going to a show would help.      It was a very good show and it was surprising that the second show was not full.   The previous 8.15pm shows were packed to bursting, with people standing at the back.

The show finished about 11.25pm, so when the crowd has dispersed we headed for the Wheelhouse Bar, to have a drink and wait for midnight.  There was no point going to the Atrium for the ‘Balloon Drop’ and the place was about 8 people deep, and many had been holding their spots for the last 2-3 hours!   Coupled with the Photographers taking Formal photos, it was the one night it was not worth trying to get anywhere else.   We settled in there, and had Kim and Rich join us for a glass of bubbles to herald in the New Year!!!    Once done, we were off to bed.

Day Nine - 30 December 2010 - Port Day - Dunedin

Weather - partly cloudy light breezes 17°C

Another early rise using the tried and true method, leave the curtains of the balcony pulled back to let the morning light in.    We rose at 6am as we approached the heads.  

I had the first shower, and as Pete was finishing in the bathroom we seemed to whiz passed the Albatross Colony.  I could see the Albatross birds as white blobs on the hill side, but as I was still stuck on the bed waiting for Pete to help me dress we missed most of it!!!

Any way we did get to see most of the entry to the port on the balcony, so we will see it all on departure.  

The port was the ‘logging’ berth and it was fortunate it was not raining as it was rather rudimentary.   But after all we had come to see Dunedin not the wharf.  

The Council had shuttle buses going into town for $15 return, and had kneeling buses in the fleet.   So this was the cheapest option, as a cab would be $50 or so each way!!!    The driver we had on both journeys was a dreadful - the first negative thing we have encountered on this cruise.  

We visited the Train Station which was beautifully restored.  











The Cadbury Chocolate factory visit was given a miss as the place was very crowded and actually didn’t appeal.   So we decided we should keep the NZ economy going by shopping.   I found a lovely Merino Wool shop and got some lovely tops.   On leaving we discovered the owner was a fellow Alfa Romeo Owners Club member, so we had a catch up!   We thought Colin looked familiar but thought it was just because we had met so many new people during the cruise.

Before we returned to the ship for a late lunch I found a lovely necklace and earring set at the local craft market which was open conveniently close to the ’Cruise Bus Stop’.    Of course now back in NZ we made calls to Mum to check on life back on Auckland.   She had been worried about us as Nelson and Marlborough had been hit by terrible storm, and thought we might had had a awful trip across ’The Ditch’. Being starved of news we had no idea, and so far had had wonderful sea conditions!

After lunch it was time to ’vege out’, as the whole point of this cruise was to relax and not run around like mad things.   Julie and Dave are now ’pro’s’ at relaxing!    And we have managed to see Dave drink more than half a glass of wine, and to even ’down the hatch’ the last bit when necessary.   But Pete hasn’t managed to get him tipsy yet!

Julie and Dave are now ’pro’s’ at relaxing!  Getting into the swing of taking time to do nothing, or find a quiet corner to read in or for a stroll around the ship.   Strolling achieves two things, walks off some of the food eaten to excess and chance to chat to friends or to make new acquaintances.   We have managed to see Dave drink more than half a glass of wine, and to even ’down the hatch’ the last bit when necessary.   But Pete hasn’t managed to get him tipsy yet!  Not sure he will achieve that.  

 We were berthed with our Port Side cabin to the wharf, so it was a good place to watching the returning passengers.  

Bus after bus arrived, with all piling out frantically.  

About ¾ hour before we were due to depart, the Dunedin Scottish Band arrived to farewell us from the port.   They assembled at one end, and playing “Scotland the Brave” marched down to wharf. 

This proved somewhat of a challenge as they had to match around the fleet of buses and cars, but they did it like real professionals!   They played for quite some time, before marching back down the wharf just before we departed.  

Of course we did this with wine in hand, or in Pete’s case a Rum and Coke!

We went up to Deck 15 for Sailaway    Pete liked to be on the deck above the bridge, which necessitates me to climb up four large steps with Pete’s help, and it is worth it.   As the wind was quite keen I didn’t stay up there for too long.  

 











However while up we sail out quite close to the shore.   At one point a small group on the shore shouted “Aussie Aussie Aussie”.   All those above the bridge replied “Oi Oi Oi” followed by lots of laughter and clapping.   All this makes a wonderful Sailaway.   

Later I sheltered behind the Lotus Spa out of the wind with Lilia, who was resting her weary legs on a stray chair she had found.    We stayed there until we were out of the heads and past the Albatross Sanctuary.    Camera’s were going flat out as the birds were souring around the point and catching all the air currents - spectacular.

We decided it was to dine in the Savoy, but requested ‘not’ the massage table.   Being the powerchair meant the Restaurant Manager needed to find that illusive round table for four.  In the end we were put in a section that was yet to be ‘opened’, but at least we wouldn’t have the vibrations!   Flora who served at the “massager table” was very good humored about our request and each time she passed to and from the kitchen she would check that we were being looked after!

It was one night there was nothing on the entertainment that appealed so we adjourned to one of the lounges to listen to what ever was being played before retiring at a reasonable hour!